Dongjak-gu is running its "2026 Special Support Project for At-Risk Youth" to help vulnerable young people in the district achieve healthy development and stable independence, District Mayor Ryu Sam-young announced.
The program provides cash benefits across multiple categories — lifestyle, health, education, counseling and self-sufficiency — to at-risk youth between the ages of 9 and 24 (born between Jan. 1, 2001, and Dec. 31, 2017) who face social or economic hardship.
Eligible applicants must belong to households at or below 100 percent of the standard median income and fall into at least one of the following categories: youth without a guardian or who are not receiving effective parental protection; youth not enrolled in school; youth who are isolated or in social withdrawal; and youth who need support to prevent delinquency or misconduct.
Benefits are divided into five areas: basic living costs covering clothing, food and medical expenses for daily life; medical costs including consultations, examinations, procedures, surgery, preventive care and rehabilitation; education costs such as school enrollment fees, tuition and hagwon fees for the high school equivalency exam; self-sufficiency costs covering knowledge and technology acquisition, career counseling and vocational experience; and legal costs including litigation and legal consultation fees.
The district selected 10 recipients during the first application round, which ran from March through May. The second round of applications and support will run from July through November.
Applications can be submitted through the Bokjiro website or in person at the community center in the applicant's district of residence. The program may close early if the budget is exhausted.
In addition, the district plans to conduct case management for each recipient and regularly monitor changes in eligibility as part of its ongoing follow-up efforts.
For further inquiries, residents may contact the Youth Division of Dongjak-gu District Office or their local community center.
"Every young person has their own potential and possibilities," District Mayor Ryu said. "We will be a strong support system so that youth in crisis can continue to pursue their dreams and their future."
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